Youth and State-Building in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa have faced various forms of marginalization for a long time contradicting the fact that they are the majority demographically. To counter these, they may resort to hardcore robbery, street gang formation, joining rebel groups, varying categories of trafficking, and petty crimes like shop-lifting et cetera. There are however positive contributions the youth have done in this region especially in areas where relative human agency and peace exist since they can negotiate and participate in state-building. A lot of inventions, especially in the 21st century, are associated with the youth which has led to contributions in the economies they live in. This dynamic demographic, social category, therefore, responds depending on the current that hit them, which in turn have different impacts on state-building. This paper seeks to answer, what is the level of youth participation in state-building in Sub-Saharan Africa?